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Public adjusters in Ireland: how the rules work

In Ireland, loss assessors act for policyholders. Insurance intermediaries must register with the Central Bank, and you pay the assessor's fee.

Updated . Country: Ireland

In Ireland the job is called a loss assessor, and the Central Bank of Ireland says loss assessing is a specified activity that a registered insurance intermediary can carry out.

What the job is called here

The usual term is "loss assessor." A loss assessor acts in the claimant's interests on an insurance claim.

Who regulates it

The Central Bank of Ireland regulates insurance intermediaries. The governing law is the European Union (Insurance Distribution) Regulations 2018, which came into force on 1 October 2018.

Is a licence required

The Central Bank says an insurance intermediary can carry out specified activities, for example loss assessing and helping consumers deal with claims. It says an insurance intermediary must be registered to carry out insurance distribution. It also says it is an offence to carry out these activities without registration with the Central Bank.

Fees

The Consumer Protection Code 2025 sets a notice rule. Within 5 working days of notice of a property, motor or other relevant claim, the insurer must tell you two things:

  • You may appoint a loss assessor to act in your interests.
  • Any such appointment is at your expense.

The pages we read do not set a fee cap. Agree the fee in writing before you sign.

How to check a licence (official register link)

Search the Central Bank of Ireland public registers. The Central Bank points consumers to these registers to check whether a firm is regulated.

What to do if there is no regime

Ireland has a regime. If you are not satisfied with an insurer or another financial service provider, you can complain to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO). The FSPO says its services are free.

The Code also says that, if you ask in writing, the insurer must engage with a third party you appoint to act for you on the claim.

This is general information, not legal advice; confirm the current rules with the Central Bank of Ireland.

Sources

Questions

Can I appoint my own loss assessor in Ireland?

Yes. Under the Consumer Protection Code 2025, your insurer must tell you that you may appoint a loss assessor to act in your interests, at your own expense.

Who pays the loss assessor?

You do. The Code says the insurer must tell you that any appointment of a loss assessor is at the claimant's expense.

Must my insurer deal with my loss assessor?

Yes, if you ask in writing. The Code says an insurer must engage with a third party you appoint to act for you on a claim.

How do I check a loss assessor?

Search the Central Bank of Ireland public registers. The Central Bank says it is an offence to carry on insurance intermediary activity without registration.

Public adjusters in IrelandAll licence rules by country